Can I quit my job immediately?
Yes, but with notice. Under article 326 of the Labour Code a worker may terminate the contract by giving the employer written notice, without giving a reason. On an open-ended contract the notice period is 30 days, unless the parties agreed a longer one — which may not exceed 3 months; an agreement for more is void. If you leave without serving the notice, you owe the employer compensation equal to your gross pay for the unserved part, which they may set off. Termination by mutual consent is also possible, taking effect at once. The employer cannot refuse the termination: once the notice period expires, the contract ends by operation of law.
📋 The rules
- Notice is in writing and needs no reason
- Open-ended contract: 30 days notice
- A longer period may be agreed, but 3 months maximum
- Not serving it: you owe the employer compensation
- Termination by mutual consent — immediate
🔓 Exceptions
- By mutual consent the contract can end with no notice at all
- If the employer is at fault (e.g. unpaid wages) — you may leave without notice
- Fixed-term contracts have their own termination regime
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If you leave without serving the notice period, you owe the employer compensation equal to your gross salary for the unserved part of the period. The employer can set it off against your final pay or against compensation for untaken leave. Equally, if the employer fails to serve notice on dismissal, they owe the same compensation to you. Importantly, the employer cannot refuse the termination and cannot 'hold on to you' — once the notice period expires the contract ends by operation of law, even without an order being issued. Refusing to hand over your employment record or documents is a separate breach to report to the Labour Inspectorate.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How long is the notice period?
30 days on an open-ended contract. The parties may agree a longer period, but it cannot exceed 3 months. A period longer than 3 months is void, even if you signed it.
Do I have to give a reason for leaving?
No. Termination on notice under art. 326 requires no motive — written notice is enough. The employer has no right to demand an explanation and cannot refuse on that basis.
Can I leave immediately?
Only by mutual consent, or where the employer is at fault — for example they have not paid your wages or have unilaterally changed your terms. Otherwise you owe compensation for the notice you did not serve.
What do I pay if I do not serve notice?
Compensation equal to your gross salary for the unserved part of the period. The employer may set it off against your final pay or against compensation for untaken leave.
Can my employer refuse to let me go?
No. Once the notice period expires the contract ends by operation of law, even if no order is issued. Refusing to give you your documents is a separate breach you can report to the Labour Inspectorate.
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